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Tennessee Tech inducted its class of 2025 at the University Convocation this afternoon. President Phil Oldham said that in being at convocation, Tech’s newest students have shown exactly what the world needs. “And that’s talent, coupled with tenacity,” Oldham said. “Today you join thousands of golden eagles who have that same resilience and from this moment, you will be known ... Read More »

Spring Street Supermarket Owners John and Sally DePriest announced the Cookeville business will close after 50 plus years of business. Cookeville Resident Opal Garrison said she has shopped at the grocery store her entire life and is saddened by the news. “I was so upset really and sorry that it was closing, cause I depend on this store for a ... Read More »

A former Fentress County Deputy Finance Director was sentenced to 12 years Monday to the state department of corrections. Former Director Kellye Rhea Crabtree previously plead guilty to theft of property over $60,000, theft of property over $1,000 and official misconduct. Crabtree used a county credit card for unauthorized purchases totaling some $237,000. Crabtree also issued checks to herself as ... Read More »

A Putnam County man has been indicted on 30 counts including charges of statutory rape and sexual exploitation of a minor. A TBI investigation of 27-Year-Old Dylan Ray Martin found sexual interactions with three juveniles from 2016 to 2019. Agents arrested Martin on Tuesday, and he was booked into the Jackson County Jail on a $150,000 bond. Agents began investigating ... Read More »

House Speaker Cam Sexton said Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order issued Monday averted the immediate need for a special called legislative session. “Gov. Lee’s executive order issued today is good news in affirming a parent’s right to make healthcare decisions for their children,” Sexton said. “I am hopeful this order can be extended further by curtailing the power of the ... Read More »

The White County Commission approved an $800,000 capital outlay note for paving work on Monday night. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the county has roughly $2 million in paving budgeted this fiscal year. Robinson said it was good timing to try and do as much work as possible. “This year the bids for paving came in lower than they’ve ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council will consider an agreement to provide the police department with co-responder services for mental health-related situations. Police Chief Randy Evans said that in entering the agreement, Volunteer Behavioral Health Systems would be ready to hire an individual to provide service immediately. “It provides if you will, to use the term ’embedded,’ a mental health co-responder with law ... Read More »

The expansion of Putnam Schools’ Student Services Building can move forward after the county commission approved transferring the land deed Monday. Director of Schools Corby King said the district realized it did not own the property adjacent to Cookeville High School after beginning the expansion process. “This is part of the TDEC grant for the soccer complex,” King said. “So, ... Read More »

The Putnam County Election Commission is pushing to get high school students registered to vote with a new voter registration award. Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett has launched the Anne Dallas Dudley Award for individual high schools. Putnam County Elections Administrator Michele Honeycutt said registering 85 percent to 100 percent of eligible seniors will earn schools the recognition. “Every ... Read More »

Sunday’s rainfall caused Cummins Falls State Park to close as a safety precaution. Park Manager Ray Cutcher said the park monitors rainfall through radar, the National Weather Service and its own rain and water depth gauges. Cutcher said the park adds as many layers of protection as possible to prepare for the unexpected. “When we think there’s a possibility of ... Read More »